Not long ago, I shared with you Bishop Knestout's request that I would lead a Diocesan Evangelization Task Force. We met for the first time, online, this past Wednesday afternoon. The bishop gave an introduction, I gave an overview of the nature of the new evangelization, and we had a terrific group discussion. I look forward to sharing more updates with you as appropriate.
It seems appropriate that the initial meeting would happen just a few days before the tremendous Feast of Pentecost, when we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples and the entire world. The Holy Spirit will be busy at Sacred Heart this weekend as the sacrament of confirmation is celebrated at each Mass. Because very few of us attend all three Masses, I don't want you to miss out on learning about these inspiring folks, so I'll describe them to you here.
At the 5pm Mass, I will receive Jasmine Christian into the Catholic Church, and she will receive the sacraments of confirmation and communion. Jasmine's family has deep Christian roots, but her own faith journey led her to the fullness of truth which subsists in the Catholic Church. I've always looked forward to our RCIA sessions when Jasmine offers tremendous insights. In addition, her son, Kiyan, will be baptized. There will be a ton of sacramental grace present on Saturday night!
Fortunately, God doesn't run out of grace. More will be evident on Sunday morning as Justin Hatcher is received into the Church, and as he receives the sacraments of confirmation and communion. Justin was particularly inspired by his wife, Erin, and wanted to provide his son, Aidan, with a solid faith foundation in their family. Throughout his preparation process, Justin has read voraciously so he can learn as much as possible about our faith. He may be the only person I know who has read our Catechism cover to cover!
Finally, at the noon Mass, Frida Hernandez will receive the sacrament of confirmation. During her first year at Amherst College in Massachusetts, Frida regularly logged into the Zoom preparation sessions with our other candidates, but distance and quarantine restrictions kept her from coming to the Mass with Fr. Segerblom in March. I'm excited that she will meet the Holy Spirit in a special way in confirmation on Sunday.
Please pray for them, and for the folks who continue on their RCIA journey towards sacraments of initiation in the future. If you, or somebody you know, is interested in learning more about the sacraments of initiation, I encourage you (them) to contact Joyce Bustamante in the parish office.